To live is so startling, it leaves little time for anything else.

As the thanksgiving holiday approaches, most people are reflecting on what they are thankful for. I'm no different. I think that in the society we live in today, we all lose sight sometimes of the things we have because we're too busy to focus on what we DON'T have or what we're wanting. I am as guilty of this as the next person, and while I try hard to thank the universe for all it's given me at the end of the day, sometimes I am a complete slacker. I am extremely lucky, and the most recent big development in my life has been an absolute blessing- you know who you are. :)

Life throws us many curve balls. We're tested constantly, we're forced to make hard decisions, and all to often, we end up making some mistakes. We hurt others, we hurt ourselves, we take people and the things we have for granted and we sometimes turn a blind eye to wrongs we've committed, thinking that in some way, this will make them right. In the end, all each of us can really do is live out our lives as the best possible versions of ourselves, and to have a chance to even do that is a blessing.

I'm young, I've lived a pretty full life thus far, I've traveled, I've shared amazing moments with some amazing people. I am the most thankful for the people in my life. I am so lucky to have such an incredible support system in my family, my boyfriend, and in my close friends. You are all a blessing. I am thankful for each of you, and for what you've brought into my life. You've taught me so much, and you bring me so much light.

As I forge on to my next great adventure, I hope that I can learn how to live to be the best possible version of myself. I want to give more, and make less mistakes. I want to strive every day to treasure what I have, instead of dwell on what I don't. I want to be stronger, braver, and cry less. I want to help as many people as I can. I want to do more and talk less. I want to keep believing in dreams that I have, and I want to try harder to have unwavering faith.

Here's just a small list of what I'm thankful for: (no order of importance-it's ALL important)

Mexican food- Yep. I went there! I'm sorry but chips and queso, enchiladas and watermelon margaritas, they just make the day better!

Health- Although i'm suffering from a cold, I am still healthy! I can get up everyday and take a walk- and that's certainly something to be thankful for.

Family - ESPECIALLY Kathy and Louis. You've done a swell job. I couldn't ask for better parents. Every family has its ups and downs, but I am lucky to have had such an incredible pair to raise me.

Mom- you're the gentlest soul I know, and even though some of the decisions I make take me far away from you, and you hate to see me go, in the end you only want my happiness- you've taught me how to be selfless. You always search for the good in people and you try so hard to give everyone the benefit of a doubt. You're also a great cheerleader! My #1 fan. Thank you!

Dad- You are never on facebook, so I'm just hoping mom shows you this. I am thankful for everything you've taught me. My love for science-all you. Rock music-all you. My work ethic-YOU. The hunger for knowledge you've instilled in me will never be satisfied! I will ALWAYS be learning-and that's because of you.

Louie- god kid you drive me crazy. You are such a little shit, but at the end of the day i know that if i need my brother he'll be right there. You're super fun, and you are always smiling. You have a really big heart. And you're insanely good at beer pong....I know you'll be a great uncle Lou to my kids one day.

Nanny- What an incredible strong lady you are!! You have an incredible amount of Moxie and I think some of my attitude comes from you for sure! You, like mom, are also selfless. you've given so much to your children, Addy, and me. You've got a really big heart, and you're not afraid to say what you're thinking!! Thank YOU for your never ending support, and you're fantastic spirit :)

Danielle- What a fantastic "lil sis" you've become. God i hated you when you were a kid-i'm so THANKFUL you've grown up to be a young lady I can stand!! haha.. jk. For real though- I can always confide in you, and you're such a great listener. you're always trying to remind me to look out for myself. You make me laugh a lot- thanks for aaaall that.

Erin- What adventures we've had! Thank you for Addy! (haha.. jk.. but no, seriously) She is such a little light, fantastic child. But mostly, thank you for being you. We don't see each other much, but I know that if i need advice or input, you're another "sis from another mother" I can come too. you've turned into an incredible young woman- and thank you for your beautiful art! You are inspiration.

Papa Dan- I am thankful that he's on the road to recovery. I'm lucky to have such an awesome grandpa. Some of the most incredible stories I've ever heard come from him, and some of life's greatest lessons and values too. I admire him greatly.

Friends- WHAT an amazing group I have. You're all incredibly supportive, you always push me to do what makes me happy, and you are all incredibly insane, and by insane I mean fun. All of you are there when I need you, and I can only hope that I've been a rock to lean on for y'all as much as you've all be a rock for me.

Brittany- been a long run hasn't it? You've always been there for me, and I hope that in this next phase- our 30s. you're still around to witness the insanity that is my life. You try hard to keep me grounded, (though it seldom works) and I probably drive you nuts, but hey that's what friends are for! You've always been there to listen, and you've never judged, even when you've disagreed with a decision. Thank you for always listening, and thanks for being there when things go south and when they turn back around.

Robin-You have taught me so much. I don't even know where to begin. Talk about a tough lady. Such a go getter, you've taught me to be fearless. You're giving, and always willing to help a sister out. You're an incredible wife, mother, friend, and confidant. you've taught me how to be forgiving, how to be more confident, and how to laugh at myself, and never be ashamed of who i am. Thank you for everything.

Nikki- You are such a sweetheart. you're so funny, and even thought I could literally slap the OCD out of you sometimes, you are incredibly fun! You make me laugh SO MUCH!! I am thankful for the style sense you've given me!!! I am thankful for those 4 hours spent in Forever 21 at Fashion Island.. haha!! You have incredible faith, you're always smiling, and you have such a light about you. I am looking forward to many more adventures with you!

Joe- Buddy, you're fantastic. A total rock, you've always given great advice and you've seen me through some really rough times. I'm so thankful to have you in my life. You're wise beyond your years my friend, and I"m thankful for all the wisdom you've given me. And you never give up! Such an enduring spirit you have.. I have so much respect for you.

Margeaux-We haven't been friends long but MAN you make me laugh!!! Looking forward to some good times together. Thanks for the laughs so far! You have an incredible spirit.

I had to laugh at myself today. I had to feel a little silly, after i spent 10 minutes debating whether or not to wear makeup to Starbucks.. Now, I used to rarely wear makeup. I had no confidence in myself and I really just didn't care what I looked like. I hated cool clothes because I couldn't fit into the styles I wanted, I hated makeup because I couldn't stand to see myself in the mirror.

but that was years ago, and since I got in shape, I love shopping. I can stand to look at my reflection without feeling self hatred. I also really enjoy wearing makeup.

Now, my skin, is not "bad". I have some unevenness, I have some blackheads, and circles under my eyes but I'm in no way hideous or unfit to be seen in daylight sans makeup.

But I just spent 10 minutes of my morning debating, " to makeup-or not to makeup, that is the question"In the end, I decided to take the 10 minute walk to Starbucks (in 90 degree heat, mind you) makeup free, feeling totally ridiculous the whole way.

We women are a real trip. It just goes to show how wrapped up we can be sometimes in our appearance. I went from not giving two bleeps about what anyone thought about me (myself included) to treating whether or not to apply a bit of bare minerals to my face for a walk as if it was a life altering decision... jeez, Lauren. Get a grip. My face is still my face, makeup or no makeup and I'm one cute gal so

Me

I'm Lauren. I love soaking up new people and new experiences. I'm an artist, photographer, actress, and a dreamer. and professional bruncher. I realize I probably have terrible grammar. I am not ashamed of this. English is the worst. Some would say I'm an old soul. I tend to be dramatic, and I eat waaay too much Mexican food.

My Writing

I don't consider myself a writer, I'm not a writer, I just write. It's a way to express my feelings, what's inside of me, and let out whatever emotions are trying to push their way out of me. I also like to tell stories, make people laugh, inspire people, help and educate people about things I am passionate about in the world around us. I hope at least some of what's here does at least some of that for at least one person.